Lorri@Mabon_House 7/3/23 Lorri@Mabon_House 7/3/23

Book Review: The Way of the Hedge Witch

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As I’ve noted before I don’t really identify as a witch per se, but there are definitely elements of witchcraft, healing and magick that I routinely embrace as part of my own spiritual path and desire to connect more with nature. As such, I do a lot of reading for both personal growth and also for content here on Mabon House. So I thought it would be nice to create some reviews of my favorite books. First up is The Way of the Hedge Witch - Rituals and Spells for Hearth & Home by Arin Murphy-Hiscock.

The Way of the Hedge Witch is an excellent book for those looking for easy ways to enhance their spiritual practice and connect with nature. Throughout the book, Murphy-Hiscock's wisdom and insights provides a comprehensive understanding of the ancient traditions of a hedge witch, which I found both helpful and inspiring. .

What I liked most about the book was Murphy-Hiscock's ability to make complex concepts accessible. I appreciated her clear explanations of the origins and history of hedge witchery and how she guides the reader through the rituals, tools, and spellwork associated with this path.

Murphy-Hiscock's emphasis on the importance of connecting with nature deeply resonated with me. Her exploration of the bond between hedge witchcraft and the natural world explained the significance of plants, animals, and the elements. The practical exercises she provided allows the reader to forge a stronger relationship with nature and its profound wisdom, which is something I certainly aspire to.

The Way of the Hedge Witch is an excellent resource on herbalism and healing, specifically. Murphy-Hiscock's wealth of knowledge on herbs and their properties enriched my understanding of their magical and medicinal uses. The inclusion of recipes for potions, teas, and salves. And while I don’t do much with DIY herbology, I did appreciate how she demonstrated ways to incorporate this practice into my own spiritual journey, if I decide to try it out later on.

If you’re looking for some general information about incorporating nature into your own practice, The Way of the Hedge Witch is a good addition to your library. Arin Murphy-Hiscock's expertise and passion shine through, making this book an indispensable guide for both beginners and experienced practitioners.

What are some of your favorite books for connecting with nature and following your own spiritual path?

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Pretty Things

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Winter Wonderland ❄️❄️❄️

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November colors in the upper garden ✍️🎨🌲

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Lorri@Mabon_House 6/30/23 Lorri@Mabon_House 6/30/23

Connecting With My Inner Maiden

In the Triple Goddess tradition of the Maiden Mother Crone, the Maiden represents youth, vitality, and new beginnings. She is typically associated with Springtime, and its season of renewal and rebirth. But what does this archetype mean for women of all ages? How can we tap into our own Maiden spirit at any stage of life?

The Maiden and Springtime

The Maiden is often depicted as a young woman, full of energy, enthusiasm, and curiosity. She is associated with the element of air, which represents the mind and the intellect, as well as with the season of spring, when the world is bursting with new life and growth. For younger women, this may feel like a very normal part of life. The world is your oyster and full of possibilities.

As we age though, our inner Maiden may show up less and less. Life’s hardships and the realities of adulthood and motherhood can dim the Maiden’s light. But the thing is, our Inner Maiden is always with us. She is that voice in your head whispering “What if…what if you try…what if you take a risk…what if you do-the-thing-that-scares-you?” She is what makes us curious and brave. She is the intuitive nudge, the voice encouraging you to explore different ideas, places, relationships.

Giving Your Inner Maiden Space

As we get older, it can be easy to fall into familiar patterns and routines. This was certainly the case with me for many years. I felt like I was stuck on autopilot, set in my own ways and resistant to change. And as an introvert, it doesn’t take much for me to just opt out, rather than going out and seeing people, visiting places or trying new experiences. As we’ve begun the return to pre pandemic levels of socialization and I’ve ventured back out into the world through my day job, I realized just how isolated I’d become and how, for the past few years (probably longer, if I’m being honest) the main focus of my attention has been on problem solving and mitigating risks. By allowing my Inner Maiden to have space, I was able to slowly open myself up once again and embrace the unknown and explore new experiences.

I often notice that my Inner Maiden pipes up at the most random times. I am a creative person by nature. I’ve always been able to keep myself occupied by writing and storytelling. I love to research topics and then write about them in my own fashion. I also tend to hyperfixate on ideas once they pop into my head. This is both a blessing and a curse. As much as I love a deep dive into a topic or idea, it almost always leaves me feeling really anxious. I feel like I have to get super organized before I can write (this is a thinly disguised excuse for a new notebook or binder); I need to know more about a topic before I can create a printable or a blog post; I have to create an absolute masterpiece or I’m a failure. For a really long time this all-or-nothing thinking kept me from following through on ideas and dreams. I’d start a project and then talk myself out of it, because, if it isn’t going to change the world or make me a million dollars, what is even the point? No, it’s better I just focus on sensible endeavors like my day job and leave the creative fun up to people who have more time, more money, more resources, more-whatever.

But then…my Inner Maiden - often I think of her as my Muse - will show up and remind me that the only thing standing between me and my ideal creative life is my current way of thinking. She points out all the other creative women I look up to and reminds me that they have once stood in the same place as me.

The Maiden & MIddle Age

Even though we associate the Maiden Archetype with youth, I find my Inner Maiden shows up a lot more now that I am in Middle-Aged. I think there are many reasons for this. When I was a kid, I was responsible for looking after my little brother - my mom worked nights and it was often just me and my brother hanging out during the daytime, while she slept. And I was 19 when I had my first child, so I was a mother figure from a pretty early age and then an actual mother right at the start of my adulthood. There wasn’t much room for adventure or curiosity when you are responsible for a tiny human. So many of the key qualities of the Maiden, including her sense of adventure and curiosity were not really part of my own experience when I was younger.

I’d say that my Inner Maiden has showed up more in the past 12 months than the past 12 years combined. Now that I am on the edge of an empty nest, I finally have the time to do things just for myself. I can afford to indulge my curiosities and adventures. Like many women in midlife and beyond, this spirit of adventure has proven to be a powerful tool for personal growth and transformation.

A Reminder to Have Fun

Another important quality of the Maiden is her sense of playfulness and joy. She finds pleasure in simple things, and is able to approach life with a sense of lightness and ease. Again, I am not sure if this is the case for every woman in midlife, but I find myself thinking about all the things I used to do as a kid that made me happy. Things like roller skating, buying cool clothes, or just laying in the grass talking with my best friend. While I haven’t worked up the courage to try roller skating (I need to get some elbow and knee pads, stat) I have spent more time with the people who bring me joy, just talking and laughing and reminiscing. I’ve also begun changing up my personal style to reflect clothes I enjoy versus clothing that makes me look thinner or more professional.

The Maiden archetype is not just relevant to young women - it is a powerful symbol that can inspire and guide women of all ages. As we get older, we may feel burdened by responsibilities and obligations. We may feel like we have lost touch with the simple pleasures of life. By tapping into our Maiden spirit, we can embrace adventure, joy, creativity, and intellectual curiosity, and continue to grow and evolve throughout our lives. So embrace your inner Maiden, and allow her energy to infuse your life with a sense of vitality and possibility.

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Lorri@Mabon_House 6/26/23 Lorri@Mabon_House 6/26/23

Moon Magick - Connecting with the Lunar Phases

Harness the power of the moon and connect with your inner goddess with these affirmations for each phase of the moon. Whether you're new to affirmations or a seasoned practitioner, these affirmations can help you tap into the magic of the lunar cycle and and the Triple Goddess and can be a powerful tool for cultivating a positive and empowered mindset.

The New Moon & Waxing Moon

The new moon is a time of new beginnings and attracting new things into your life. Use the affirmations for the Maiden to help you focus on your goals and embrace your inner childlike spirit. You are full of new ideas and creative energy, and you trust in the path that is unfolding before you. You are open to new opportunities and experiences, and you are ready to step into your power and embrace your full potential.

Examples of affirmations for this phase of the moon include:

I am full of new ideas and creative energy.
I trust in the path that is unfolding before me.
I am open to new opportunities and experiences.

The Full Moon

The full moon is a time of abundance and manifestation. Use the affirmations for the Mother to help you embrace your nurturing side and attract abundance. You are surrounded by love and abundance, and you trust in the universe to provide you with all that you need. You are grateful for the blessings in your life, and you are ready to step into your power and manifest your dreams into reality.

Examples of affirmations for this phase of the moon include:

I am surrounded by love and abundance.
I trust in the universe to provide me with all that I need.
I am grateful for the blessings in my life.

The Waning Moon

The waning moon is a time of release and letting go. Use the affirmations for the Crone to help you embrace your inner wisdom and let go of what no longer serves you. You release all that no longer serves you, and you trust in the wisdom of your ancestors and guides. You are ready to step into your power and embrace your full potential.

Examples of affirmations for this phase of the moon include:

I release all that no longer serves me.
I trust in the wisdom of my ancestors and guides.
I am ready to step into my power and embrace my full potential.

These affirmations are one way to connect with the Triple Goddess and unlock your full potential. By focusing on your strengths and embracing your inner wisdom, you can tap into the energy of the divine feminine and move toward clarity around goals and purpose. To help you get started, here is a one-page printable to connect with the Triple Goddess and affirm your own power and potential.

Harness the magic of the moon and let your inner goddess shine!